8 GOLDEN RULES OF GAMESHOOTING
Even if you are an experienced shot these golden rules will serve as a useful reminder
1 BE ON TIME
Do not be late. If necessary arrive half an hour early and park up round the corner. You can use the time to take the dog for a walk which also means it won’t curl one out on your host’s driveway. But seriously, if you’re late it may mean the difference between doing 4 drives or 5. The days of winter are short so make sure you’re on time.
2 BE COURTEOUS TO EVERYONE YOU MEET
That old boy walking across the yard with teeth like a plate of burnt chips may just be the Head Keeper’s most trusted beater. Say ‘Good Morning’ to him, the same as you would your host. Be aware that the public who don’t understand our sport, do recognise people dressed in tweed as game shooters. You may see them in the petrol station on the way to shooting. Try to be the best advert for our sport
3 BE SAFE
This would be number 1 in the list, but it’s done in chronological order of a shoot day. Nobody can enjoy themselves in the company of unsafe guns so safety is paramount. Make sure there is sky behind the bird you’re shooting at. And remember safety catches do not make guns safe. They can fail just like any other mechanism.
4 BE SPORTING
Shooting game that’s too close ruins it for the table, but it’s also unsporting to shoot at birds that are out of your range. The risk of wounding becomes too high. You are not there to give the picker up something to do. There is a difference between traditional Norfolk partridge shooting, where guns are beaten by speed, and West country partridges which are driven over guns below them in valleys. It is up to you to judge what is sporting on any given day.
5 BE ACCURATE
Game keepers and hosts appreciate good shots. Get your gun fitted to you properly, and get the right cartridges for your quarry. Practice at home by mounting your empty gun in your shoulder so you become consistent, and if you still have problems, find a good game shooting coach.
6 BE GENEROUS TO YOUR NEIGBOURS
Game shooting reveals your true character. There is no hiding place. If you are arrogant, greedy or hold grudges it will show in the birds you choose to shoot. Think of your neighbouring guns, and if it might make a more sporting shot for them, leave it. This is a team game after all.
7 RESPECT DEAD GAME
You are engaged in a community harvest. If you have the time and space for a gundog get one, and train it properly. Keep a mental note of how many you shoot during the drive so you don’t forget to collect any. If you are missing one, inform the picker up so they can have a look for you. Learn how to quickly and humanely dispatch wounded birds. This is a key skill. Take a brace home and learn how to cook them well.
8 BE THANKFUL
Thank the beaters straight after lunch – you may not see them after the last drive. Thank the pickers up for their hard work as the opportunity arises, and tip the head keeper as he gives you your brace. It is your personal expression of how much you have enjoyed your day. Handwrite a thank you letter to your host as soon as possible.
